Winco,
I generally agree with you - though I don't know the individuals you mention.
What has really got our forces in this position - and that means ALL our forces - is the 'Can Do' attitude has been taken for granted by polticians of all flavours and now we have crap aircraft, ships & vehicles.
The forces need a true ballsy person to stand up for them ! I'm not suggesting a military coup, just someone looking beyond their own pension.
DZ